Nikita Khrushchev barred from Disneyland, Sept. 19, 1959

On this day in 1959, Nikita Khrushchev, having arrived in Los Angeles during a two-week coast-to-coast tour by the Soviet leader, learned that he would not be allowed to visit Disneyland, ostensibly for security reasons.

Khrushchev’s immersion in Hollywood began that day with a tour of the 20th Century Fox Studios. He was ushered onto the sound stage of “Can-Can,” where he met Shirley MacLaine and Juliet Prowse. Khrushchev begged off when MacLaine sought to engage him in an impromptu dance and watched as cast members performed a number from the film, then in production. Afterward, Frank Sinatra hosted a lunch for a delighted Khrushchev and his wife.

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The mood darkened, however, after Spyros Skouras, 20th Century Fox’s president, introduced Khrushchev at Los Angeles Town Hall. Skouras, citing Khrushchev’s boasts that the Soviet Union would “bury” capitalism, said while L.A. wasn’t interested in “burying” anyone, it would meet any challenge.

Responding angrily, Khrushchev said: “If you want to go on with the arms race, very well. We accept that challenge. As for the output of rockets — well, they are on the assembly line. This is a most serious question. It is one of life or death, ladies and gentlemen — one of war and peace.”

When on top of that perceived insult, the premier learned he could not tour Disneyland, he fumed: “And I say, ‘I would very much like to go and see Disneyland.’ But then, we cannot guarantee your security, they say. Then what must I do? Commit suicide? What is it? Is there an epidemic of cholera there or something? Or have gangsters taken hold of the place that can destroy me?”

The next morning, Khrushchev continued his trip through California without further incident, eventually returning to Washington for an unproductive summit meeting with President Dwight Eisenhower.